Rick from MoveAmerica just got back from the National Small Business Conference in Nashville—three days of networking, matchmaking, hot chicken, and handshakes with everyone from federal agency reps to prime contractor executives. In this episode, he breaks down why industry events still matter in a world of Zoom and LinkedIn, what he learned from breakout sessions on SBIR and working with the DoW, and why MoveAmerica believes small businesses aren't just part of the defense industrial base—they're the future of it. Can't make it to every conference? Learn about MoveAmerica's Pathways-2-Partnership virtual networking event on Tuesday, February 24th. Email communications@moveamerica.org to get the details. Resources Mentioned:

• National 8(a) Association / National Small Business Conference: n8asbc.org
• MoveAmerica Pathways-2-Partnership: communications@moveamerica.org
• MoveAmerica.org
• Dearborn APEX Accelerator: dearbornapex.com

What do you do when a critical part breaks on a Navy ship—and it hasn't been manufactured since the Reagan administration? You print a new one.

In Episode 2 of Mission Ready in 10, Rick from MoveAmerica explores how additive manufacturing is revolutionizing military sustainment, turning 18-month procurement nightmares into same-week solutions. Then he breaks down the U.S. Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP)—your fast pass into the defense supply chain.

Learn how small manufacturers are partnering with major primes to solve the military's toughest logistics challenges, and how MoveAmerica—as the MPP Intermediary—can help match you with the right mentor and guide you through the entire process.

Resources mentioned:

• SAM.gov
• MoveAmerica.org
• Rapid Innovation Accelerator-Miami (gogovnow.com)
• Dearborn APEX Accelerator: (dearbornapex.com)
• Find an APEX Accelerator near you: (apexaccelerators.us)

The Department of Defense just went full Marie Kondo on its Critical Technology Areas—looking at fourteen priorities and narrowing them down to six. But what does that actually mean for small businesses trying to break into the defense industrial base?

In this episode of Pathways to Partnership, Rick from MoveAmerica sits down with Colonel (Ret.) Willie Burgess, Deputy Director of MoveAmerica's Rapid Innovation Accelerator in Miami (RIA-M), to unpack everything you need to know about CTAs without drowning in acronyms.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What the six Critical Technology Areas actually are—and why they're broader than you might think
• The difference between the White House's Critical and Emerging Technology List (14 items) and DoD's focused CTAs (6 items)
• Real-world examples of how small businesses are already contributing to these priority areas Why DoD is actively seeking small business participation (spoiler: the defense industrial base went from 51 prime contractors to just 5)
• How RIA Miami helps companies navigate opportunities—for free

Whether you're developing AI applications, cybersecurity solutions, advanced manufacturing tech, or something entirely new, this episode will help you understand where the Department of Defense is headed and how you can be part of the solution.

Resources mentioned:

• MoveAmerica: moveamerica.org
• RIA Miami
• SBIR/STTR Programs
• Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
• National Security Strategy
• Acquisition Transformation Strategy